Dookeran is currently in Santo Domingo attending a CARIFORUM meeting but issued a release yesterday saying there "must be compassion and compromise" in dealing with this situation.

"In all aspects of public policy, there must be compassion and compromise and that Trinidad and Tobago must not be seen in the eyes of the international community as a decadent society," he said.

Dookeran said while there were pros and cons surrounding the issue of the highway, the nation should recognise Kublalsingh's actions.

"Whether right or wrong, (it) stems from a deep conviction of a case for which he seems prepared to die. As a government, we must understand that such a fast emanates from deep spirituality and as such represents the soul of human endeavour," Dookeran said.

Dookeran said now that the matter is receiving international attention from the BBC, the government must engage in "meaningful conversations to ensure that Trinidad and Tobago is not paraded as an uncaring society in the eyes of the world".

It is understood that coalition partner National Joint Action Committee (NJAC) political leader Makandal Daaga met with the Prime Minister Tuesday to further discuss the matter.

The outcome of that meeting however is not known. NJAC held an emergency meeting November 19 and issued a statement calling on Persad-Bissessar to meet with Kublalsingh as soon as possible.